Hire a House Sitter
Going on a vacation, whether for a few days or an extended period, is a way to unwind, rest, and relax. While leaving an apartment or condominium unit may be easy for some people, those who have houses, swimming pools, and pets may have more on their plate to think about. If friends or family are unable to tend to the house while they are away, homeowners may hire reliable house sitters.
As the job title implies, house sitters are individuals who tend to a homeowner’s house and possession while they are away. House sitting is a unique service where homeowners leave the care of their house, property, and possessions to one or more house sitters for a designated period. If they have pets, then the house sitters care for their fur family while the homeowners are away.
Before hiring a house sitter, defining expectations and responsibilities is crucial. It is essential to gain clarity on several important factors before making any job announcement. How long will the service be? Are there pets to be cared for? If so, what are the specific parameters for pet care? Are there any internal or external alarms, cameras, or any monitoring system in place? For the house sitting service to be successful, there should be a predefined set of responsibilities, expectations, and other do’s and don’ts agreed upon by both the homeowner and the house sitter.
Next, hiring managers need to create a straightforward and accurate job description that reflects all responsibilities, expectations, and responsibilities. Posting a job announcement on different hiring websites, social media platforms, and online groups will boost the recruitment process and attract candidates.
Responsibilities of a House Sitter
The goal of a house sitter is to care for the house and pets as the homeowner would. The security of the home, pets, and property is of utmost importance. To prevent any potential vandalism or any break-in, house sitters make the house look occupied by turning the lights on and off, shutting off windows, and closing and locking the doors each day.
If a pet sitter has not been hired, house sitters are responsible for them. Feeding them, giving water, and throwing away their poop are common tasks. Aside from pets, house sitters likewise take care of indoor and outdoor plants. If the homeowner is away for an extended period, house sitters also mow the lawn as necessary.
House sitters take charge of keeping the home neat and tidy by sweeping, mopping or vacuuming when required. If there is a pool, they also do pool maintenance tasks. Additionally, other miscellaneous tasks are: bringing in the mail and newspapers, forwarding phone messages to the homeowner, and answering phone calls on behalf of the owner if allowed to do so. Lastly, house sitters report any emergencies or concerns to the homeowner.
Skills and Qualifications of a House Sitter
To apply as a house sitter, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED. They must be reliable, patient, trustworthy, and honest. Other qualifications include excellent communication skills and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Previous experience as a house sitter is an advantage.
